TOP 10 THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN HIRING A PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER OR DOG WALKER

1. Most Professional Pet Sitters offer a free one time consultation to meet you and your animals to review care needs and to ensure that your animals and you feel comfortable working with them.
2. Does the Professional Pet Sitter have experience and feel comfortable caring for and handling animals. Does the Pet Sitter have experience working with the types of animals you have?
3. Is the Professional Pet Sitter Insured & Bonded? This is an important consideration. What if damage is done to your property by accident or negligence? Are you covered? Does your pet sitter take their business seriously and act in a professional manner?
4. Do you feel comfortable working with the Pet Sitter. Do you feel your concerns and questions are respected?
5. Does the Pet Sitter respond in a timely manner via phone, or email? Of course, they might not be able to get back to you right away. They may be walking a dog, grooming a horse, or at a veterinary appointment. However, it is important that your pet sitter get back to you same day to let you know how your animals are doing and that all is well.
6. Do you trust your Pet Sitter to honor your privacy and respect your property and home while your away? Check references and trust your intuition. It's important you feel safe for you, your animals, and your home.
7. Do your Animals like the Pet Sitter? Sometimes it can take a while for your animals to warm up to a new person, especially animals who have been abused or neglected by previous owners. However, most of the time your animals can give you a clear signal whether they like the pet sitter or not. Trust your animals to help you make the right decision. They might be sensing something is off. Pay attention to any red flags or warning signs that the person you are interviewing may not be the right fit. You want your animals to be treated with compassion and positive handling.
8. Is your Pet Sitter comfortable administering medications and special diets? It's important that your Pet Sitter follow instructions to make sure your animals are receiving optimum care while you are gone.
9. Does your Pet Sitter keep your home clean? Do they make sure your animals bowls, litter boxes, kennels, and bedding areas are kept clean and fresh? Professional Pet Sitters leave your home and animals belongings as clean or even cleaner when they leave.
10. Does your Pet Sitter leave you a note to let you know that they completed the visit and how it went? Do they confirm that you are home after the visits have been completed to make sure all is well? Communication is critical so that no animal is left behind without care.